Divided carton



Jan. 11, 1966 D. M. STEGNER DIVIDED CARTON :5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 3, 1963 INVENTOR DOUGLASS M- STEGNER.

BY WRWQQ ATTORNEYS Jan. 11, 1966 STEGNER 3,228,581

DIVIDED CARTON F J. :5. E

INVENTOR DOUGLASS M. STEGNER BYMQMMB ATTORNEYS Jam 1956 D. M. STEGNER 3,228,581

DIVIDED CARTON Filed April 3, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet a INVENTOR 1 21 .11. DOUGLASS M STEGNER ATTORNEYS United States Patent C) i 3,228,581 DIVIDED CARTON Douglass M. Stegner, Baltimore, Md., assignor to Baltimore Box Company, Baltimore, Md., a corporation of Virginia Filed Apr. 3, 1963, Ser. No. 270,271 4 Claims. (Cl. 229-27) This invention relates to shipping cartons generally, and is particularly concerned with the provision of such a carton having -a divider, or dividers, fixedly secured therein.

In the handling of so-called bottled items, it has long been common practice to provide some dividing means in a shipping carton in which the bottles are carried so as to separate one bottle from another and thereby prevent breakage an-d/or to provide carton stacking strength. Consistent with present practice, the-re is commonly provided a carton of right angle parallelogram shape, i.e., square or rectangular shape, having a manufacturers joint in one corner thereof, having inwardly foldable or folded end flaps for closing opposed ends of the carton, and having a separate and loose divider panel, or separate and loose set of interlocked dividing elements within the carton. Notwithstanding the fact that such a carton construction has proved satisfactory for many purposes in the past, the same is subject to certain disadvantages.

First, the divider means, regardless of form, is normally not secured to the carton walls, and accordingly, the divider means can only yield limited increased stacking strength to the carton. Secondly, if the contents of the container are to be removed in a single operation as by inversion of the carton, then norm-ally the divider means, whether desired or not, is removed with the bottles or individual items.

In certain instances, regardless of the mate-rial from which the particular bottles or articles are formed, it is desirable to remove the same from the carton without necessarily removing the divider means. Moreover, With the advent of plastic bottles, it has become common practice to use the ultimate shipping container for the bottles as originally fabricated. The plastic bottles are normally fabricated, and as empty, stored in the final carton. Then they are transferred to a filling station, where the empty bottles are dumped from the carton into a filling station hopper. The bottles, after filling, are returned to the carton. With a carton of the above-described prior type, as the *bottles are dumped from the carton into the hopper at the filling station, the dividing means tends to slip from the carton with the bottles, and this results in certain inconveniences.

Moreover, though it would appear that the dividing means could possibly be eliminated with plastic-type bo-ttles, the elimination thereof is normally not practical because some type of dividing means is needed for increased support of the carton and/or to yield adequate packing strength thereof once the same contains filled bottles.

Although the preceding discussion is not completely comprehensive in considering every aspect of divided cartons, the explanations contained therein illustrate the type of problem with which the present invention is concerned, and the need which remains for an improved carton construction which can be easily fabricated to provide an ultimate uni-t having dividing means fixed therein.

The present invention has as one of its primary objects the satisfaction of the aforesaid need. More specifically, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved carton construction which can be easily fabricated by conventional manufacturing techniques, and which, in its ultimate form, has a dividing ice means fixed therein so as to yield the desired separating of containers within the carton, and/or so as to provide the necessary stacking strength, and/or so as to permit the removal of articles, bottles, or other contents of the carton easily without slippage of the divider or dividing means from the carton.

A still further primary object of the present invention is to provide such a carton which can be fabricated from unitary carton blank comprising a series of successive and integrally connected panels so arranged as to yield one such panel that serves as a basic divider element, and so constructed as to have conventional type closure flaps projecting from the panels so that the flaps can be inwardly folded to close the carton, and easily sealed to a fiap projecting from the divider panel to fix the divider panel in a given position. Still further, in this regard, it is an object of the preferred embodiment hereof, to provide such a blank, and such a carton, wherein the divider panel has flaps projecting from the top and bottom ends thereof, which flaps are sealed to flaps projecting from carton wall forming panels so as to provide effectively not only a divider Within the carton, but also a channel member extending between the top and bottom of the carton to effectively-increase the cart-ons strength.

Another important and basic object of the present invention is to provide a carton conforming with the preceding objects, and formed from a blank fabricated in accordance herewith, wherein a plurality or set of dividing panels are fixed in desired positions within the carton by means of an integral connection between one of the divider panels, and the wall forming panels of the carton.

Somewhat more specific, yet important additional objects of the present invention, include the following: (a) the provision of a carton conforming with the preceding objects which has preferably a glue seam or joint intermediate the ends of one side wall thereof, as opposed to the conventional corner manufacturers joint; (b) the provision of such a carton which is formed with the basic dividing means from a one-piece blank that can be easily scored and cut, consistent herewith, by existing apparatus and techniques; (c) the provision of such a carton which is readily adapted to automatic article insertion methods, and which, by a mere change in corrugation direction during initial fabrication, can be adapted for top loading operations, or end loading operation-s; and, (d) the provision of such a carton which is readily adapted to handle, for example, plastic bottles or containers, and/or glass bottles or containers, and/or other articles commonly shipped in cartons having dividing means therein.

Although the preceding objects have been directed in substantial part to the ultimate carton provided hereby, it should be understood from the outset that the provision of a carton blank adapted to form the ultimate carton is generally as important as the carton itself. Consistent with this understanding, it should be further understood, that an important object of the present invention is to provide a cart-on blank of the prescribed type, which can be initially shipped in flat condition with the side wall seam or joint therein, so that the remaining securing opertaions to be performed reside solely in flap endclosing steps of conventional nature.

The invention lies in the carton blank and ultimate carto provided hereby, as well as in the combination arrangement and general form of the component parts thereof. The invention will be better understood, and objects other than those set forth above, will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description. Such description refers to the annexed drawings presenting preferred and illustrative embodiments of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a carton constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment 3 hereof, FIGURE 1 presenting the carton with one end thereof open;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the carton shown in FIGURE 1 when the open end flaps of such carton are vertically aligned with the side walls thereof;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the carton shown in FIGURE 1 with the panels and flaps thereof, in substantial part, tilted to exposed positiong FIGURE 4 is a plan View of a blank constructed in accordance herewith and adapted to be used in forming the carton of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is an end view of the blank shown in FIG- URE 4 after the same has been initially folded in accordance herewith;

FIGURE 6 is an end view of the blank shown in FIG- URE 5 presenting the same in solid line after the same has been folded to a final blank position, and presenting the same partially in broken line when it has been partially moved toward extended position;

FIGURE 7 is a transverse sectional view of the closed carton of FIGURE 1, FIGURE 7 having been taken on a plane immediately to the left of the divider wall and with the top flaps moved to their closed position;

FIGURE 8 is a front elevation-a1 view of a carton constructed in accordance with a modified embodiment hereof, FIGURE 8 presenting the carton with one end there-of open;

FIGURE 9 is a top plan view of the carton shown in FIGURE 8 when the open end flaps of such carton are vertically aligned with the side walls thereof;

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of the'carton shown in FIGURE 8 with the panels and flaps thereof, in substantial part, tilted to exposed position;

FIGURE 11 is a plan view of the blanks constructed in accordance herewith and adapted to be used in forming the carton of FIGURE 8; and,

FIGURE 12 is a front elevational view of a carton constructed in accordance with a further modified embodiment hereof, FIGURE 12 presenting the carton with one end thereof open.

FIGURES l, 8 and 12 present the basic cartons constructed under the invention, and the various aspects of the invention will be primarily described below with reference to these figures. For simplicity, however, it should be noted at the outset that'the blank for the FIGURE 1 unit and the blank'for the FIGURE 8 unit are presented explicitly, whereas the blank for the FIGURE 12 unit is presented and described only with reference to modification of the blank shown inFIGURE 4.

Before referring in more detail to the figures, it should be understood that FIGURES'3, 7 and 11 are illustrative views of carton-s of respective embodiments hereof opened to positions which show the various panels and flaps thereof. These figures facilitate an understanding and description of the invention. Howevenas explained more fully below, the figures do not present the component parts in a position which they would assume during fabrication of a carton constructedin accordance herewith. c

Referring to FIGURE 1, it will be noted that the carton shown therein is generally designated by the numeral 2. Such carton comprises a first pair of opposed walls Land 6 extending horizontally, as shown, and a second pair of opposed'walls 8 and 10 extending vertically, as shown. The pairs of opposed walls are disposed to define an enclosed area therebetween. A divider panel 12 extends between the opposed walls 4 and 6 to divide the area into sections on opposite sides of the divider panel. The carton 2, as presented in FIGURE 1, is generally rectangular in any cross section. However, the invention can be applied to cartons of various shapes, although preferably-the opposed walls are so arranged as to define a right angle parallelogram enclosed area or carton.

Regardless of the particular shape of the ultimate carton, the same preferably includes a series of flaps disposed to be folded inwardly at opposite ends of the carton so as to close the same. In FIGURE 1, the flaps surrounding the open end of the carton are respectively designated by the numerals 4b, 6"b, 8b, and 10b. The exposed flaps at the rear or closed end of the carton as shown in FIGURE 1 are respectively designated by the numerals 4a, 6'a, 8a, 10a and 12a. As explained more fully below, the flaps 6b and 6!) are secured together, thereby forming effectively a single flap. Such single flap projects from the wall 6 which itself is formed of two wall forming panels, whereas the remaining side walls, as also explained more fully below, are preferably each formed from a single wall forming panel. More specifically, each of the walls 4, 6, 8 and 10 comprises at least one of a plurality of wall-forming panels. Each of such plurality of panels and the divider panel are part of what was initially a unitary blank comprising a series of continuous'successive integrally connected panels.

The construction of the blank utilized to form the carton of FIGURE 1, is presented in FIGURE 4. By now referring to FIGURE 4, it will be noted that the blank there shown and generally designated by the numeralZ, is of elongated configuration. Such blank has a set of spaced apart fold lines 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 disposed therein in parallel relation to one another and in parallel relation to the end edges 30 and 32 of the blank. The set of fold lines 20-28 divides the blank into six parallelogram panels successively disposed from eitherendedge 30 or 32 of the blank. In successive disposition from the end edge 30, the first panel is designatedas 6', the second panel as 10, the third panel as 4, the fourth panel as 8, the fifth panel as 6", and the sixth panel as 12. It will be noted that these numerals correspond to numerals used in FIGURE 1. In fact, the panels of the blank of FIGURE 4 provide the walls of corresponding number in the carton of FIGURE 1, as will become more clearly apparent from the ensuing description. Further, the flaps which project from the respective panels in the blank of FIGURE 4 provide the flaps of corresponding number in the carton FIGURE 1, as also explained more fully below.

Before discussing the equivalence of the panels and flaps of the blank 2 of FIGURE 4 with respect to the ultimate carton 2 of FIGURE 1, it is important to note certain dimensional relationships provided in the blank 2'. Specifically, it should be noted that the width W10 of the second panel 10, the width W8 of the fourth panel 8, and the width W12 of the sixth panel 12 are all equal, or at least substantially equal. In contrast, the width W6 ofthe firstpanel 6', and the width W6" of the fifth panel 6" provide cumulatively a larger dimension than the width W4 of the third panel 4, i.e., W6 plus W6 is greater than W4. It will be noted that the widths as shown in FIGURE 4 represent the dimension of the respective panels in a direction perpendicular to the end edges 30 and 32 or the dimension of the respective panels longitudinally of the blank shown in FIGURE 4.

Although the third panel 4 is shown as being the widest, although the first panel 6' is shown as being slightly wider than the fifth panel 6", and although the first, second, fourth and sixth panels are shown as having substantially equal widths, the general relationship between the widths of all of the panels can be widely varied so long as they remain within the limits prescribed in the preceding paragraph. The variation in the overall relationship of widths will govern the ultimate dimensions of-a carton, and the ultimate shape thereof, but still the invention can be employed so long as the widths of the second panel 10, the fourth panel 8 and the sixth panel 12 are substantially equal, and so long as the cumulative widths of the first panel 6' and the fifth panel 6" exceed the width of the third panel'4.

In addition to being provided with a first set of fold lines 29-28, the blank 2' is preferably provided with an additional set of fold lines including the fold lines 34 and 36. Each of these additional fold lines is disposed parallel to the side edges 33 and 40 of the blank and in inwardly spaced relation thereto. As shown in FIG- URE 4, the fold line 34 defines the upper or top extremity of each of the panels 6', 10, 4, 8, 6" and 12, and the fold line 36 defines the bottom extremity of each of such panels. These extremities extend perpendicular to the side edges 30 and 32 of the blank since the additional fold lines 34 and 36 are disposed in perpendicular extending relation to such side edges.

Just as the panels 6', 10, 4, 8, 6" and 12 terminate at their upper and lower extremities at the additional fold lines 34 and 36, the first set of fold lines 29, 22, 24, 26 and 28 terminate at their upper and lower extremities at the fold lines 34 and 36. In contrast, the fold lines lead into slits or slots whereas the panels lead into flaps.

The blank 2' is provided with slits 42-56, and each of these slits extends between one end of one fold line in the first set and the adjacent side edge of the blank. In particular, the slit 42 extends coaxially with the fold lines 24, 22 and 20 respectively, and between the upper ends thereof and the side edge 38 of the blank. On the lower side of the blank, the slits 50, 52, 54, and 56 extend between the lower ends of the fold lines 20, 22, 24 and 26 respectively to the side edge 40 of the blank.

In addition a slit 58 is provided, and this slit extends coaxially with the fold line 28 and between the upper end thereof and the adjacent side edge portion 38a of the blank. The side edge 38a is inwardly offset from the outer side edge 38, but extends in parallel relation thereto. The side edge portion 49a of the blank which extends along the base of the panel 12 is similarly inwardly offset from the outer side edge 40. However, the side edge portion 443a is coaxial with the fold line 36, whereas the side edge portion 38a is disposed between the fold line 34 and the outer side edge 38.

With a blank constructed as shown in FIGURE 4, and as described above, closure flaps project respectively from upper ends of the wall-forming panels 6', 10, 4, 8, and 6". Specifically, the flaps 6a and 6b project from the top and bottom respectively of the panel 6', the flaps a and 10b project respectively from the top and bottom of the panel 10, the flaps 4a and 4b project respectively from the top and bottom of the panel 4, the fiaps 8a and 8b project respectively from the top and bottom of the panel 8, and the flaps 6"a and 6"]; project respectively from the top and bottom of the panel 6". Additionally, a flap 12a projects from the top of the divider panel 12. The flap 12a, as explained more fully below, is a securing fla1p in effect.

Notwithstanding the fact that no specific mention has been made of the particular material from which the blank 2 is formed, or the manner in which the same is formed, it should be appreciated that conventional stock can be used, and that conventional techniques can be applied. For example, double face corrugated stock provides a satisfactory blank material, and high speed stamping operations can be used to provide the fold lines and cut-outs and, if necessary, to remove the cut-out portions.

Once a blank has been formed as described above, and regardless of the technique and materials used in the formation thereof, the same is ready for preliminary assembly consistent herewith. To this end, a suitable adhesive 66 is provided in a longitudinal strip extending adjacent the end edge 30 of the blank, or specifically, along the free end edge of the panel 6' and its integrally connected flaps 6'a and 6b. The adhesive is then rendered tacky, if not already tacky, and the blank is folded along the fold line 26 so as to bring the panels 6" and 12 in overlying relation to the panels 8 and 4, as shown in FIGURE 5. Then, the blank is folded along the fold line 22 to bring the panels 6 and It) in overlying relation to the panels 4, l2, and 6" respectively, as shown in FIGURE 6. Specifically, after the latter folding, the adhesive 60 is disposed in overlying relation to the edge portion 62 adjacent the fold line 28. The remainder of the panel 6' overlies the panel 12, with the panel 16 overlying the panel 4, and a part of the panel 12. The adhesive 69 serves to fix the edge portion of the panel 6' carrying the same to the outer face of the panel 6" along the edge portion thereof adjacent the fold line 26. Since the adhesive 60 extends across the flaps 6a and 6b in addition to the panel 6', the flaps 6'a and 6b are similarly secured in overlying relation to the flaps 6"a and 6"b along the edge :portion of such flaps adjacent the slits 42 and 56 respectively.

While a particular folding and adhesive applying sequence has been recited above, it should be apparent that any adhesive applying and folding sequence can be used initially. The important fact to note here is that the panels 6' and 6", as well as the flaps which project from opposite ends of such panels, are secured together along the free edge of the panel 6 and its associated flaps, adjacent the divider panel 12.

With the blank folded and with the adhesive serving to secure the panel 6' and its associated flaps to the panel 6" and its associated flaps as aforesaid, the blank, if desired, is ready for shipment in its folded condition to the user of the ultimate carton. Of course, the blank can be shipped in completely flat condition as shown in FIGURE 4, and then the initial folding operations can be performed as outlined above. For convenience, however, it is customary to ship the blank with the seam or joint provided by the adhesive 60 already being formed.

Blanks, as folded and shown in FIGURE 6, can easily be shifted to assume the rectangular form shown in FIGURE 2. This merely requires inserting ones hand in grasping relation to the panel 12, and moving the same clockwise as shown in FIGURE 6, the blank then assumes a spread-apart relation wherein the wall-forming panels are shiftable into the position of FIGURE 2. As so shifted, the panels 6 and 6", which are suitably connected by the adhesive 60, together cumulatively form a wall 6. This wall has a width equal to the width of the panel 4. The excess of the cumulative width of the panel 6 and 6", designated by X in FIGURE 2 provides the overlap on which the adhesive is carried. In other Words, the overlap edge portion of the panel 6 should have a width X which is equal to the difference between the width W4 of the panel 4 and the sum of the width W6 of the panel 6 and W6" of the panel 6". Preferably, the adhesive covers the entire width of the overlap strip, although this is not absolutely essential. Moreover, it may be found desirable in certain instances to use some other form of scam, such as, for example, a stapled seam or a stitched seam.

Now, referring to the final assembly of the carton shown in FIGURE 1, attention is directed to the illustrative FIGURE 3 which shows the various panels and flaps tilted apart but in general relative positions. It is to be understood here, as noted above, that FIGURE 3 does not present the component panels and flaps of a carton constructed in accordance herewith in positions which the same would assume consistent with conventional fabrication as provided herein. However, FIGURE 3 does illustrate the relative dispositions, and is helpful to this end.

As shown in such figure, the flap 12a is folded to the left at the base of the panel 12, and the outer edge portion 3811 faces the free edge portion of the flap 8a extending inwardly from the panel 8, or to the right as shown in FIGURE 3. In underlying relation to the flaps 12a and 8a, the flaps 4a and 6"a are folded inwardly. The flap 10a in the ultimate carton, is folded inwardly so as to lie in the same plane as the flaps 12a and 8a. Then, the flap 4a as folded inwardly, overlies one end portion thereof. The edges of the flaps 4a and 6"a and 6'a which form part of the edge 38 meet centrally and longitudinally of the ultimate unit, thereby closing the base end of the carton 2.

An adhesive is provided on the underside of the flaps 4a, 6"a and 6a, or on the outside face of the flaps 12a, 8a and 10a, as desired, so that in the ultimate unit, the flaps 12a, 8a and 10a are secured in underlying relation to the flap 4a, and the then single flap formed by the initial separate flap 6"a and 6'62. As so folded and secured, the carton has the construction and appearance as shown in FIGURE 1. Thereafter, the flaps 10b and 8b can be folded inwardly, and following such folding operation, the flap 4b and the single flap formed by the initially separate 6'12 and 6"b can be folded inwardly in overlying relation to the flaps 8b and 16b to close the carton. Of course, a suitable adhesive would be provided, in the ultimate carton, on the outside face of the fiaps 10b and 8b, or on the underside of the flap 4b and the single flap formed by the initially separate flaps 6'1) and 6"b.

Regardless of the ultimate closing operation, and the manner of securing utilized, with the carton assembled as shown in FIGURE 1, the divider panel 12 is integral with the remaining panels of the carton, the same being part of the single blank from which the carton was formed. Moreover, the divider panel 12 is secured in its exact location by virtue of the securing of the flap 12a to the underlying flaps 4a, and the single flap formed by the initially separate flaps 6"a and 6'a. The divider panel 12 is thus stable in its position, and will not be separated from the carton when the flaps are opened as shown in FIGURE 1 so as to, for example, dump bottles from the carton.

Even though a preferred construction has been shown in FIGURE 1, and described in some detail above, there are certain modifications worthy of some detailed consideration. First, consider the flap 12a. This flap extends between the fold line 34, and the outer edge portion 38a. The flap has less height than the remainder of the flaps, as shown in FIGURE 4. The reason for the inward offset of the edge portion 38a with respect to the outer edge 38, and the resultant decrease in height of the flap 12a resides in the desire to have the flaps 8a and 12a lie in the same plane in the final unit. As shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, the free edges of the flaps 12a and 8a meet at the base of the carton in the ultimate unit. Because of the width W4 of the panel 4, and the preferred central disposition of the divider panel 12, the cumulative height H12a and H8a cannot exceed one-half the width W4 of the panel 4. Otherwise, the flap 12a would have a portion slightly overlapping a portion of the flap 8a. For this reason, the flap 12a has less height than the remainder of the flaps. If, however, the divider panel 12 is not disposed centrally of the carton, as shown, but instead is displaced to the right, for example, by a distance equal to the difference in heights H811 and H12a, then the necessity for making the flap 12a of less height than the remaining flaps can be eliminated. Moreover, while it has been found convenient in the preferred embodiment to reduce the height of the flap 12a relative to the height of the remainder of the flaps, the same r sult can be achieved by reducing the height of any one of the flaps 120:, 8a or 10a. If the height of the flap 10a is reduced, and the height of the flap 12a corresponds to the height of the remaining flaps, then, of course, the flap 12a would be folded to the right as shown in FIG- URES l and 3 as opposed to being folded to the l ft as shown therein.

Considering further modifications, the b flaps can be eliminated entirely, if desired. In this instance, a different closure, comprising one of various suitable available types, could be used to close one end'of the carton, with the a flaps serving to close the other ends thereof, and to secure the flap 12a in position so as to positively lock the divider panel 12 in place.

Yet another important modification which can easily be made to the construction shown in FIGURE 1 resides in the provision of an additional securing flap projecting from the front end of the divider panel 12, as shown in FIGURE 1. To this end, a flap 12b can easily be incorporated at the bottom end of the panel 12 as shown in FIGURE 4 with an additional slit 59 being provided whereby the flap 12b is foldable in the same manner as the flap 12a.

With the addition of this flap, the divider panel 12 can be secured in position at both its top and bottom ends, the additional flap 12b serving to lock the same in place by virtue of its securing with overlying flaps, just as the flap 12a serves to secure the base of the divider panel 12 in desired position.

The carton shown in FIGURE 8 incorporates the lastmentioned modification, as well as a further embodiment hereof wherein more than one divider panel is utilized in the ultimate carton. By referring to FIGURE 8, it will be noted that the basic carton shown therein comprises the same basic components as the carton shown in FIGURE 1. It will be further noted that corresponding numerals have been used to designate the same components. Additionally, however, it will be noted that a flap 12b projects outwardly and forwardly of the divider panel 12, and an additional divider panel 74 extends within the carton generally perpendicular to, and on opposite sides of the divider panel 12.

To achieve the modification, the blank for the carton of FIGURE 8 is constructed as shown in FIGURE 11. This blank has thereon numerals corresponding to the numerals used in FIGURE 4. The difference between the blank of FIGURE 11 and the blank of FIGURE 4 resides in the provision of the flap 12b at the base end of the panel 12 and the provision of two additional slits or slots. One such additional slit is that designated by numeral 59, and as explained above, this slit extends coaxially with the fold line 28, and from the bottom end thereof. The slit 59 terminates at the side edge portion 40a.

The other additional slit is designated by the numeral 72. This slit extends from the side edge portion 40a across the flap '12]; and partially through and across the panel 12. The slit 72 is disposed inwardly of the side edges of the panel 12, namely, the sideedge defined by the fold line 28 and the free side edge defined by the blank edge 32.

A blank utilized for the carton of FIGURE 8 is associated with an additional blank shown in FIGURE 11 and designated generally by the numeral 70. The blank 70 is dimensioned to extend between the opposed side walls 8 and 14 of the carton of FIGURE 8 and to extend between the top and bottoms thereof. The blank thus, essentially, has a dimension corresponding to the dimensions of the panel 4. Moreover, the blank 70 has a slit or slot 74 therein extending from the base thereof in spaced relation to the side edges of the blank outwardly through or across approximately one-half of the blank.

The slot 74 is so dimensioned relative to the slot 72 that the distance between the top of the slot 74 and the top edge 76, as designated by the letter X, is equal to the length of the slot 72, as also designated by the letter X, between the fold lines 36 which traverses the base of the slot 72 and the top of the slot 72. Similarly, the distance between the top of the slot '72 and the fold line 34, as designated by the letter Y, is equal to the length of the slot 74. With this arrangement, the additional panel 70 is adapted to be coupled in laterally projecting relation with the divider panel 12. Specifically, the interlocking engagement is generally the same as that used in more or less conventional divider means. The slot 72 extends over the rearward unslotted portion of the panel 7 0 as shown in FIGURE 8 with the slot 74 of the panel 70 extending over the forward unslotted portion of the panel 12 as shown in FIGURE 8.

It will be noted that during the initial assembly operations, the additional panel 70 can be inserted on the panel 12 either prior to the preliminary folding, or at any time thereafter. The primary requisite is that the additional panel 70 be inserted in interlocking engagement with the divider panel 12 prior to the inward folding of the flaps 8a and a. Once the flaps 8a and 10a have been folded inwardly, they serve to fix the additional panel 70 within the carton, and the same is permanently retained there with the securing of the flaps 8a, 12a, and 10a in underlying relation to the flap 4a, and the single flap formed by the initially separate flaps 6'a and 6"a.

The ultimate unit of FIGURE 8. thus presents a carton which is further divided than the carton of FIGURE 1. If desired, more than one additional divider panel 70 can be incorporated. For each additional panel, it is merely necessary to provide an additional slit or slot 72 extending between the ends of the panel 12, and through and across the flap 12b.

The Provision of the flap 12b in the carton of FIG- URE 8 provides for additional reinforcement in the ultimate unit, such flap serving to connect the top of the panel 12 with the inwardly folded and secured flaps of the wall-forming panel, at the top thereof. The bottom end of the divider panel 12, as explained above, is secured in position by the inwardly folded flaps at the bottom end of the ultimate unit. Thus, with the embodiment of FIGURE 8 and divider panel 12, with the top and bottom flaps thereon, there is provided an effective channel member extending through the carton which increases the stacking strength thereof.

For stacking strength in the final carton, the corrugations would be run in a direction consistent with the type of loading and stacking method used. If the carton is to be top loaded, then the corrugations would be preferably run parallel to the fold lines 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28, or to the end edges 30 and 32 of the blank, whereas if the ultimate carton is to be end loaded, then the corrugations would be preferably run parallel to the fold lines 34 and 36, or perpendicular to the end edges 30 and 32 of the blank.

After reading the foregoing detailed description of the illustrative and preferred embodiments of the present invention presented in the annexed drawings, it will be appreciated that the objects set forth at the outset of the present specification have been successfully achieved. Accordingly,

I claim:

1. A carton comprising pairs of opposed walls disposed to define an enclosed area therebetween, a divider panel extending between one of said pairs of opposed walls thereby dividing said area into sections on opposite sides of said divider panel, each of said walls comprising at least one of a plurality of Wall forming panels, each of said plurality of wall forming panels and said divider panel comprising one panel of a unitary continuous series of successive integrally connected panels, one wall of said one pair of opposed walls comprising two wall forming panels, one of said two wall forming panels being disposed at one end of said series and having a free side edge, the other of said two panels being integrally joined to said divider panel along one edge thereof, said free side edge of said one of said two panels being fixed to said other panel of said two panels in overlying relation thereto adjacent said one edge of said other panel, at least one of said wall forming panels having a closure flap extending from at least one end thereof, said divider panel having at least one securing flap projecting from one end thereof, said closure flap being folded inwardly to obstruct one end of said carton, said one securing flap being disposed in underlying relation to said closure flap and being fixed thereto, said divider panel and said securing flap having a first slot therein extending through said flap and partially through said divider panel between the ends thereof, said first slot being spaced inwardly of the sides of said divider panel, said carton further including at least one additional divider panel within said carton, said additional divider panel having a second slot therein extending partially therethrough between the ends thereof, said second slot being spaced inwardly of the sides of said additional divider panel, said first and second slots respectively receiving portions of said additional divider panel and the first mentioned divider panel, said additional divider panel extending on opposite sides of said first mentioned divider panel whereby said additional divider panel is secure within said carton by said securing flap.

2. A carton comprising pairs of opposed walls disposed to define an enclosed area therebetween, a divider panel extending between one of said pairs of opposed walls thereby dividing said area into sections on opposite sides of said divider panel, each of said walls comprising at least one of a plurality of wall forming panels, each of said plurality of wall forming panels and said divider panel comprising one panel of a unitary continuous series of successive integrally connected panels, one wall of said one pair of opposed walls comprising two wall forming panels, one of said two wall forming panels being disposed at one end of said series and having a free side edge, the other of said two panels being integrally joined to said divider panel along one edge thereof, said free side edge of said one of said two panels being fixed to said other panel of said two panels in overlying relation thereto adjacent said one edge of said other panel, at least one of said wall forming panels having a closure flap extending from at least one end thereof, said divider panel having at least one securing flap projecting from one end thereof, said closure flap being folded inwardly to obstruct one end of said carton, said one securing flap being disposed in underlying relation to said closure flap and being fixed thereto, said divider panel having an additional securing flap projecting from the end thereof opposite said one end, and at least one of said wall forming panels having an additional closure flap extending from an end thereof adjacent said one end of said divider panel, said additional closure flap being folded inwardly to obstruct the end of said carton opposite said one end thereof, said additional securing flap being disposed in underlying relation to said additional closure flap and being fixed thereto, said divider panel and at least one of said securing flaps having a first slot therein extending through said one flap and partially through said divider panel between the ends thereof, said carton further including an additional divider panel within said carton, said additional divider panel having a second slot therein extending partially therethrough between the ends thereof, said first and second slots receiving respectively portions of said divider panels with said additional divider panel extending on opposite sides of the first mentioned divider panel whereby said additional divider panel is secured within said carton by said securing flap.

3. An elongated generally rectangular corrugated carton blank having peripheral side and end edges, said blank further having a first series of transverse parallel fold lines thereon dividing said blank into first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth panels, successively disposed with respect to one end edge of said blank, said first, second, third, fourth and fifth panels having at least substantially the same height, said second, fourth and sixth panels having equal widths, said third panel having a given width, said first and fifth panels having a total combined width exceeding said given width, said sixth panel having at least one flap projecting from one end thereof, the remainder of said panels having flaps projecting from opposite ends thereof, said flap projecting from said one end of said sixth panel having a smaller dimension parallel to said fold lines than the remainder of said flaps, said blank having an additional pair of spaced apart fold lines thereon disposed parallel to the side edges of said blank,

said additional fold lines defining the extremities of said panel-s perpendicular to said first series of fold lines, each of said additional fold lines being spaced inwardly from the respective outer extremity of said side edges of said blank, each fold line in said first set of fold lines terminating at the ends thereof at respective ones of said additional fold lines, and said projecting flaps on respective sides of said blank being separated by slits extending from said respective sides edges to respective ones of said additional fold lines.

4. A carton comprising pairs of opposed walls disposed to define an enclosed area therebetween, a divider panel extending between one of said pairs of opposed walls thereby dividing said area into sections on opposite sides of said divider panel, each of said walls comprising at least one of a plurality of wall forming panels, each of said plurality of wall forming panels and said divider panel comprising one panel of a unitary continuous series of successive integrally connected panels, one wall of said one pair of opposed walls comprising two wall forming panels, one of said two wall forming panels being disposed at one end of said series and having a free side edge, the other of said two panels being integrally joined to said divider panel along one edge thereof, said free side edge of said one of said two panels being fixed to said other panel of said two panels in overlying relation thereto adjacent said one edge of said other panel, at least one of said Wall forming panels having a closure flap extending from at least one end thereof, said divider panel having at least One securing flap projecting from one end thereof, said closure flap being folded over inwardly to obstruct one end of said carton, said one securing flap being disposed in underlying relation to said closure flap and being fixed thereto, said divided panel having an edge opposite said integrally joined edge thereof disposed along one of said panels in said series free of fixed relation thereto.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,151,821 8/1915 Raynaud 22927 1,737,950 12/1929 Scotland 22927 2,684,178 7/1954 Keeler 220107 3,049,279 8/1962 Maris et al. 229-41 JOSEPH R. LECLAIR, Primary Examiner.

FRANKLIN T. GARRETT, Examiner. 

1. A CARTON COMPRISING PAIRS OF OPPOSED WALLS DISPOSED TO DEFINE AN ENCLOSED AREA THEREBETWEEN, A DIVIDER PANEL EXTENDING BETWEEN ONE OF SAID PAIRS OF OPPOSED WALLS THEREBY DIVIDING SAID AREA INTO SECTIONS ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID DIVIDER PANEL, EACH OF SAID WALLS COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE OF PLURALITY OF WALL FORMING PANELS, EACH OF SAID PLURALITY OF WALL FORMING PANELS AND SAID DIVIDER PANEL COMPRISING ONE PANEL OF A UNITARY CONTINUOUS SERIES OF SUCCESSIVE INTEGRALLY CONNECTED PANELS, ONE WALL OF SAID ONE PAIR OF OPPOSED WALLS COMPRISING TWO WALL FORMING PANELS, ONE OF SAID TWO WALL FORMING PANELS BEING DISPOSED AT ONE END OF SAID SERIES AND HAVING A FREE SIDE EDGE, THE OTHER OF SAID TWO PANELS BEING INTEGRALLY JOINED TO SAID DIVIDER PANEL ALONG ONE EDGE THEREOF, SAID FREE SIDE EDGE OF SAID ONE OF SAID TWO PANELS BEING FIXED TO SAID OTHER PANEL OF SAID TWO PANELS IN OVERLYING RELATION THERETO ADJACENT SAID ONE EDGE OF SAID OTHER PANEL, AT LEAST ONE OF SAID WALL FORMING PANELS HAVING A CLOSURE FLAP EXTENDING FROM AT LEAST ONE END THEREOF, SAID DIVIDER PANEL HAVING AT LEAST ONE SECURING FLAP PROJECTING FROM ONE END THEREOF, SAID CLOSURE FLAP BEING FOLDED INWARDLY TO OBSTRUCT ONE END OF SAID CARTON, SAID ONE SECURING FLAP BEING DISPOSED IN UNDERLYING RELATION TO SAID CLOSURE FLAP AND BEING FIXED THERETO, SAID DIVIDER PANEL AND SAID SECURING FLAP HAVING A FIRST SLOT THEREIN EXTENDING THROUGH SAID FLAP AND PARTIALLY THROUGH SAID DIVIDER PANEL BETWEEN THE ENDS THEREOF, SAID FIRST SLOT BEING SPACED INWARDLY OF THE SIDES OF SAID DIVIDER PANEL, SAID CARTON FURTHER INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE ADDITIONAL DIVIDER PANEL WITHIN SAID CARTON, SAID ADDITIONAL DIVIDER PANEL HAVING A SECOND SLOT THEREIN EXTENDING PARTIALLY THERETHROUGH BETWEEN THE ENDS THEREOF, SAID SECOND SLOT BEING SPACED INWARDLY OF THE SIDES OF SAID ADDITIONAL DIVIDER PANEL, SAID FIRST AND SECOND SLOTS RESPECTIVELY RECEIVING PORTIONS OF SAID ADDITIONAL DIVIDER PANEL AND THE FIRST MENTIONED DIVIDER PANEL, SAID ADDITIONAL DIVIDER PANEL EXTENDING ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID FIRST MENTIONED DIVIDER PANEL WHEREBY SAID ADDITIONAL DIVIDER PANEL IS SECURE WITHIN SAID CARTON BY SAID SECURING FLAP. 